Joseph C. Serra was elected to represent the 33rd District in the General Assembly in 1992. The 33rd District is located entirely within the boundaries of the City of Middletown.

Serra's first run for elected office was in 1992 as the Democratic nominee in the 33rd District. A lifelong Middletown resident, Serra has served on the Middletown Democratic Town Committee since 1984.

Serra has served the Middletown Department of Public Works since 1959. In 1979 he was appointed Deputy Director of Public Works and held that position until his retirement in August of 1996 after completing 37 years of service.

A graduate of the City's public schools, Serra received an Associate's Degree in Business Administration from Middlesex Community College in 1970. He earned his B.S. Degree in Public Administration from the University of Hartford in 1975.

Serra serves as a corporator for the Middlesex Memorial Hospital and St. Francis Hospital.

Serra is a former officer and member of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), and has served as president and vice-president of Middletown Managers and Professionals Association (MMPA).

Serra serves as Secretary-Treasurer of the Connecticut Association of Street and Highway Officials (CASHO). He has held the position for the past 37 years. Serra is also a member of the Board of Directors for the Middlesex Community College Foundation and a member of the City of Middletown Retirement Board.

Serra is a Chair of the legislature’s Aging Committee and serves on the legislature's Judiciary, Transportation and Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committees.